Suspended wall shelving assembly

ABSTRACT

A suspended wall shelving assembly comprising a plurality of vertically spaced shelves supported by brackets fastened to at least two pairs of elongated, flexible straps, or the like, each pair of straps being connected to a wall anchor and including a substantially vertical inner strap and an outer strap with an inclined section extending between the topmost shelf and the associated wall anchor. Preferably, the bracket and outer straps are adjustable in length to easily accommodate shelves of different widths.

SUSPENDED WALL SHELVING ASSEMBLY The present invention is generally related to shelving structures and, more particularly, to a highly versatile suspended wall shelving assembly which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and install, and which may be easily assembled in various configurations.

In the past, many wall shelving structures have been proposed for both commercial and home applications. Such conventional constructions, for the most part, have required the use of relatively expensive mounting hardware, and the like. Several such structures utilized extruded poles, adapted to extend between the floor and ceiling, while other structures were provided with elongated frames which were screwed into the wall studs to accommodate shelf support brackets at desired locations. While such structures offered a degree of flexibility from the standpoint of shelving arrangements, they were, in many cases, prohibitively expensive to manufacture. Lesser expensive shelving units have been proposed. However, such constructions, for the most part, are unattractive in appearance or do not provide an adequate number of mounting configurations without the use of special hardware or shelves.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel wall shelving assembly which is of relatively simple construction and which provides a large variety of mounting configurations, yet is economical to manufacture and install.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unique suspended wall shelving assembly comprising a plurality of shelves which are supported by pairs of elongated flexible straps, or the like, fastened at their upper ends to wall mounting brackets or anchors.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a versatile suspended wall shelving assembly which includes pairs of elongated flexible straps, or the like, at least some of which are adjustable in their effective length, and a plurality of shelf support brackets carried by the straps which are adjustable in length, whereby different width shelves may be utilized.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the suspended wall shelving assembly of the present invention, with a typical alternate configuration shown in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along section 2-2 of FIG. I, with a phantom view of the assembly adapted to accommodate wider shelves.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along section 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the connection between a pair of straps and mounting bracket associated with the present invention.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the shelving assembly of the present inven tion is generally indicated by the numeral and is illustrated as being mounted to a typical vertical wall surface 12 by way of a pair of mounting brackets 14. Each bracket is provided with appropriate fasteners 16, such as anchor bolts, which hold the brackets securely in place. A pair of elongated flexible members 18 and 20 are fastened to each mounting bracket and extend downwardly therefrom. Preferably, each elongated, flexible member is of relatively thin, strap-like configuration and may be made of leather, vinyl, or other synthetic materials of appropriate strength capable of supporting typical shelf loads. The straps may be provided in various colors, including leather-like or decorative surfaces which enhance the attractiveness of the overall shelving assembly. Straps 18, hereinafter referred to as the inner straps, extend downwardly from the associated brackets in substantially vertical directions in close proximity to the wall surfaces. Straps 20, hereinafter referred to as the outer straps, extend downwardly and outwardly from the associated mounting brackets at an angle inclined to the vertical between the mounting bracket and an uppermost shelf 22.

A plurality of shelves are provided which underlie shelf 22, each shelf being of generally rectangular, panel-like configuration. Of course, it is not intended that the shelving assembly of the present invention be limited to the three shelves shown in FIG. 1, it being possible to provide additional shelves, if desired, as indicated in phantom in FIG. 1. By providing additional pairs of straps, an unlimited number of shelf configurations may be provided.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIGS. 2-4, it will be observed that the shelving assembly of the present invention is provided with a plurality of shelf support brackets 24, each of which is retentatively disposed between a pair of inner and outer straps. Each strap is provided with a plurality of mounting apertures or slots 26 which are adapted to receive downwardly turned tab portions 28 on the ends of each shelf support bracket. The mounting apertures are appropriately located on each strap to provide mounting of the shelf support brackets, such that they extend in generally horizontal directions to support each shelf in a substantially level orientation.

Preferably, each shelf support bracket is provided with an adhesive fastening member 30 mounted on the end thereof which abuts the wall surfaces. Each member 30 is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides to maintain the shelving assembly in a stable position relative to the wall and prevent any noticeable swaying or movement of the assembly during the removal of loads or the like.

Preferably, each shelf support bracket is may be adjusted in length, whereby shelves of greater or lesser width may be conveniently accommodated. Of course, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the telescopic, tubular configuration illustrated, as other adjustable support brackets may be utilized, if so desired.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, it will be observed that when lengthening the shelf support brackets to accommodate wider shelves, the length of the inclined section of outer strap 20 must necessarily be increased if the shelves are to remain in substantially level orientations. Such a change in length is easily accommodated by providing a plurality of mounting holes 31 at the upper end of outer strap 20. Each mounting bracket 14 is provided with an opening 32 through which the upper end of strap 20 passes and folds downwardly, such that a pair of mounting holes 31 are in general alignment with each other to accommodate a removable binding post 34, which also passes through a mounting hole 36 at the top end of inner strap 18.

When changing shelf width, each binding post 34 is removed to provide the necessary lengthening or shortening of the inclined section of outer strap 20. Each binding post is then reinserted through a different pair of aligned mounting holes and the shelf support brackets are appropriately adjusted to accommodate the new shelf widths.

Referring again, to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it will be observed that several mounting apertures 26 may be provided along the length of each strap, such that the vertical positions of the shelves may be appropriately adjusted. Preferably, the mounting apertures are spaced approximately one inch apart in the mounting area of the center shelf to provide adjustment three inches above or three inches below the position of the shelf as illustrated. It should also be noted that each of the straps may be extended in length by fastening extension pieces to the lower end of each strap by way of a binding post, or by appropriately fastening to the bottommost shelf support brackets. This arrangement further enhances the high degree of versatility and flexibility of the shelving assembly of the present invention.

With reference again to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the shelf support brackets may alternately be oriented with their respective tabs 28 extending in an upward direction as indicated in dash at 38. In addition, a thumb screw or wing nut, as indicated in dash at 40 may be provided to fasten the shelf support bracket at the desired length setting. This arrangement provides a more rigid structure along the outer edges of each shelf, whereby the shelf is prevented from transversely sliding on the support brackets to cause flexure of the straps which might tend to dislodge a shelf from its position.

It is possible for a purchaser of a relatively small shelving unit, such as the three-shelf unit illustrated, to expand the assembly by subsequent purchase of strap extension pieces, additional shelf support brackets and- /or additional pairs of straps and mounting brackets. Such a high degree of flexibility and the ability to expand the shelving assembly with relative ease were not provided by most conventional shelving structures which could be manufactured at a low cost comparable to the present invention.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A suspended shelf assembly comprising a pairof mounting anchors adapted to be fastened to a vertical wall or the like, a pair of elongated, flexible support members attached to each mounting anchor and depending downwardly therefrom, a plurality of generally rectangular shelves vertically spaced from each other,

and a pair of support brackets supporting each of said shelves, each support bracket extending between an associated pair of said elongated flexible members, each of said shelves being disposed between each pair of elongated flexible members, said elongated flexible members being in engagement with the peripheral edges of each shelf to prevent transverse movement thereof, one of each pair of said elongated, flexible support members extending downwardly in a substantially vertical direction, the other support member of each pair extending downwardly and outwardly from the associated mounting anchor toward the peripheral edge of the uppermost one of said shelves, each of said elongated, flexible members being comprised ofa relatively thin strap, each of said straps including a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures, each of said support brackets being retentatively disposed in a pair of said apertures, each of said brackets including means for readily adjusting the length thereof to accommodate different width shelves, said other strap of each pair including adjustable fastening means comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced mounting holes at its upper end for adjusting the effective length of the strap between the uppermost shelf and associated mounting anchor.

2. An adjustable shelf assembly comprising first and second horizontally spaced anchor members, a first pair of inner and outer elongated flexible straps fastened to and extending down from said first anchor member, a second pair of inner and outer elongated flexible straps extending down from said second anchor member, each of said outer straps including a plurality of longitudinally spaced mounting holes, readily removable fastening means extending through selected ones of said mounting holes in each outer strap for fastening such to the associated anchor member, whereby the effective length of each outer strap may be adjusted, and a plurality of vertically spaced shelves supported by said first and second pairs of straps.

3. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said first and second anchor members includes an opening with the upper ends of the associated outer straps passing therethrough, each of said outer straps being folded over in the area of said opening such that a pair of said plurality of mounting holes are aligned with each other with said fastening means extending therebetween.

4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said inner straps includes a mounting hole at its upper end with the associated fastening means in retentative engagement therewith.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4 together with a pair of support brackets underlying each shelf, each support bracket extending between an inner and outer strap and including means for selectively adjusting the length thereof toaccommodate shelves of different widths. 

1. A suspended shelf assembly comprising a pair of mounting anchors adapted to be fastened to a vertical wall or the like, a pair of elongated, flexible support members attached to each mounting anchor and depending downwardly therefrom, a plurality of generally rectangular shelves vertically spaced from each other, and a pair of support brackets supporting each of said shelves, each support bracket extending between an associated pair of said elongated flexible members, each of said shelves being disposed between each pair of elongated flexible members, said elongated flexible members being in engagement with the peripheral edges of each shelf to prevent transverse movement thereof, one of each pair of said elongated, flexible support members extending downwardly in a substantially vertical direction, the other support member of each pair extending downwardly and outwardly from the associated mounting anchor toward the peripheral edge of the uppermost one of said shelves, each of said elongated, flexible members being comprised of a relatively thin strap, each of said straps including a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures, each of said support brackets being retentatively disposed in a pair of said apertures, each of saId brackets including means for readily adjusting the length thereof to accommodate different width shelves, said other strap of each pair including adjustable fastening means comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced mounting holes at its upper end for adjusting the effective length of the strap between the uppermost shelf and associated mounting anchor.
 2. An adjustable shelf assembly comprising first and second horizontally spaced anchor members, a first pair of inner and outer elongated flexible straps fastened to and extending down from said first anchor member, a second pair of inner and outer elongated flexible straps extending down from said second anchor member, each of said outer straps including a plurality of longitudinally spaced mounting holes, readily removable fastening means extending through selected ones of said mounting holes in each outer strap for fastening such to the associated anchor member, whereby the effective length of each outer strap may be adjusted, and a plurality of vertically spaced shelves supported by said first and second pairs of straps.
 3. The structure set forth in claim 2 wherein each of said first and second anchor members includes an opening with the upper ends of the associated outer straps passing therethrough, each of said outer straps being folded over in the area of said opening such that a pair of said plurality of mounting holes are aligned with each other with said fastening means extending therebetween.
 4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said inner straps includes a mounting hole at its upper end with the associated fastening means in retentative engagement therewith.
 5. The structure set forth in claim 4 together with a pair of support brackets underlying each shelf, each support bracket extending between an inner and outer strap and including means for selectively adjusting the length thereof to accommodate shelves of different widths. 